Gilbert's Parks and Recreation Department is ramping up its efforts to engage local teens with a variety of new programs and activities, as discussed in a recent task force meeting. The meeting highlighted several initiatives aimed at providing meaningful opportunities for youth in the community.

Among the key offerings is a service learning program currently involving 44 participants, alongside a child and babysitting safety training that has attracted 115 participants. The recreation centers at Freestone and McQueen have also been revamped to include dedicated teen spaces featuring pool tables, foosball, and TVs, accessible to all teens without membership requirements. This change has reportedly increased participation significantly.

The department is also promoting a junior lifeguard program with 183 participants, swim lessons, and popular events like H2O Fest and Nerf Wars, which have proven to be hits among teens. Additionally, volunteer opportunities are available for those aged 14 and older, fostering community involvement.

While previous attempts to introduce esports faced challenges due to high costs from outside vendors, the department is exploring ways to make these activities more affordable and accessible. Plans for open gym sessions at Freestone Park are also being reconsidered to ensure they are less structured and more appealing to teens.

The task force is actively seeking to understand and meet the needs of local teens by considering cross-city e-gaming tournaments, team sports nights, and even pizza parties to draw in participants. They are also looking into successful programs from other communities and recognizing the importance of collaboration with local faith-based and school programs.

In addition to recreational activities, the meeting addressed youth engagement initiatives led by the Gilbert Police Department, which aim to build trust and empower young people through various programs, including the Aspire Academy and Gilbert Youth Leadership Academy.

The Parks and Recreation Department has made resources available on their website, ensuring that teens and their families can easily access information about these programs. As these initiatives unfold, the community can expect a more vibrant and inclusive environment for its youth, fostering both engagement and personal development.